Programs and courses

Student sitting in front of a window in First Peoples House looking at pond
Bradley Thom is an active member of the Native Students Union council while completing his degree in political science with a minor in Indigenous studies.

Why choose UVic Indigenous Studies?

Our program creates spaces where Indigenous and non-Indigenous students can build community. It helps forge new alliances for societal transformation, community resurgence and decolonization. The program is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

Student experiences

Visit the Native Students Union for student testimonials and experiences.

Programs

We offer both an Indigenous Studies major and a minor as part of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Our flexible programs draw on relevant courses and collaborative relationships across the university.

We emphasize hands-on, land-based learning. You'll develop the skills necessary to work respectfully and productively with Indigenous communities and organizations.

Courses

Core courses will introduce you to the field of Indigenous Studies. You'll explore:

  • the diversity of Indigenous identities, experiences and resistance movements, locally and globally
  • a critical interdisciplinary approach to the social, political, cultural and historical contexts shaping the lives of Indigenous peoples
  • the relationship of land and water to Indigenous pedagogies and politics

Approved electives will give you a broad view of the important issues in the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Students in the major program take upper level courses in the following areas:

  • Arts, Literatures and Languages
  • Histories, Politics, Laws and Lands
  • Education, Health and Healing
  • Community and Land-Based Learning

Current course offerings for the upcoming academic year:

Fall 2022

Course # Course title Instructor
IS 101 A01 Indigenous Foundations Tracy Underwood
IS 101 A02 Indigenous Foundations M. Scow
IS 101 A03 Indigenous Foundations Tracy Underwood
IS 101 A04 Indigenous Foundations M. Scow
IS 201 A01 Introduction to Indigenous Studies Minoway Sinclair
IS 201 A02 Introduction to Indigenous Studies Minoway Sinclair
IS 201 A03 Introduction to Indigenous Studies Mykelle Pacquing
IS 300 A01

Community-Based Cultural Production

Bobbi Copeland

IS 301 A01

Critical Indigenous Theory J. Corntassel

IS 310D A01

LE,NONET Preparation Seminar R. Hancock & R. Livernoche

IS 320 A01

LE,NONET Research Apprenticeship R. Livernoche

IS 321 A01

LE,NONET Community Internship R. Livernoche

IS 350 A01

Methods, Ethics, Protocols J. Corntassel

IS 391B A01

Topics in Histories, Politics, Laws and Lands: Indigenous Latin America

G. McBee

IS 400 A01

Research Seminar in Indigenous Studies M. Mowatt

IS 450 A01

Indigenous Studies in the Field C. Kuzio

IS 491D A01

Seminar in Community and Land-based Learning Clin Kuzio 

Spring 2023

Course # Course title Instructor
IS 101 A01 Indigenous Foundations Mick Scow
IS 101 A02 Indigenous Foundations Tracy Underwood
IS 101 A03 Indigenous Foundations Mick Scow
IS 201 A01 Introduction to Indigenous Studies C. O'Bonsawin
IS 201 A02 Introduction to Indigenous Studies TBA
IS 201 A03 Introduction to Indigenous Studies TBA
IS 201 A04 Introduction to Indigenous Studies C. Kuzio
IS 300 A01

Community-Based Cultural Production

Lisa Hall

IS 301 A01

Critical Indigenous Theory J. Corntassel

IS 310D A01

LE,NONET Preparation Seminar R. Hancock & R. Livernoche

IS 320 A01

LE,NONET Research Apprenticeship R. Livernoche

IS 321 A01

LE,NONET Community Internship R. Livernoche

IS 350 A01

Methods, Ethics, Protocols Jeff Corntassel

IS 400 A02

Research Seminar in Indigenous Studies Megan Lukaniec

IS 450 

Indigenous Studies in the Field Tracy Underwood